about Istanbul
Thick layers of history, oriental charm and friendly people are what you will encounter in this 15-million people metropolis. Istanbul has witnessed the history of the world's greatest and most powerful nations. A capital city of the Byzantium Empire, former Constantinople (named after Constantine - the emperor) concentrated power and treasures many had envied. The Ottomans gained power over the city and in the 15th century, the newly renamed Istanbul became their capital. Today the city is a bustling cauldron, which blends modernity, history, eastern culture and western civilization. Stuffed with historic relics from ancient times, as well as recent treasures, Istanbul lures with its numerous mosques, palaces and shopping centres. Must-sees in the city are innumerable; the most famous include the lavish palace of Top Kapi, the Blue Mosque, the shopping bazaar - Kapala Charchi and the Haghia Sophia.